2026 Best Value Nursing Schools in Wisconsin
Looking for the best-value Nursing degree programs in Wisconsin? Our ranking highlights 87 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Nursing Degree Search reviewed 39 schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Wisconsin
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Madison Area Technical College this year in Wisconsin. Located in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. The median Nursing program debt is $16,812. Madison Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,413 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Madison Area Technical College profile
You'll get strong value at Moraine Park Technical College, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Fond du Lac, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,819, compared with $7,084 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,471 in student loans. Moraine Park Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,371 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Moraine Park Technical College report
Out of the 39 schools in Wisconsin in this year's value ranking, Chippewa Valley Technical College landed the #3 spot. Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Students borrow a median of $14,234 to complete their Nursing program here. Chippewa Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,297 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,234 median debt. See the full Chippewa Valley Technical College profile
Blackhawk Technical College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in Wisconsin. Based in Janesville, WI, Blackhawk Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,747, with out-of-state students paying around $6,803. The median Nursing program debt is $13,715. Median earnings reach $41,620 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Blackhawk Technical College profile
You'll get strong value at Northcentral Technical College, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in Wausau, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,889 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,132. The median Nursing program debt is $11,709. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,925. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northcentral Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This public school is set in Appleton, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. The median Nursing program debt is $13,319. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,684. Set against $13,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Fox Valley Technical College
Gateway Technical College placed #7 among the best-value Nursing schools in Wisconsin. Located in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,956, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,829 in student loans. Gateway Technical College alumni report median earnings of $40,264 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,829 median debt. Get the full Gateway Technical College report
Waukesha County Technical College placed #8 among the best-value Nursing schools in Wisconsin. This public school is set in Pewaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $16,595. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,894 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,960, compared with $7,203 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $14,997. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,553 ten years after entry. Set against $14,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northeast Wisconsin Technical College report
Western Technical College La Cross ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in La Crosse, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, with out-of-state students paying around $7,078. Students borrow a median of $13,669 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $45,303 ten years out. Set against $13,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Western Technical College La Cross
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College placed #11 among the best-value Nursing schools in Wisconsin. Located in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,904, while out-of-state students pay about $7,147. Students borrow a median of $12,112 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,470 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,750. Students borrow a median of $23,820 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. That is a strong return on a $23,820 median debt. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex
Mid State Technical College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mid State Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,002, compared with $7,171 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,626 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,253 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,626 median debt. Get the full Mid State Technical College report
Lakeshore Technical College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Lakeshore Technical College is a public school based in Cleveland, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Students borrow a median of $11,582 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $47,113 ten years out. Set against $11,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lakeshore Technical College
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Rice Lake, WI, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,169. The median Nursing program debt is $11,384. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,406. Set against $11,384 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College profile
Milwaukee Area Technical College placed #16 among the best-value Nursing schools in Wisconsin. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,184, compared with $7,427 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $18,296. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,113 ten years after entry. Set against $18,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Milwaukee Area Technical College
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,700, while out-of-state students pay about $17,288. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay Nursing students take on a median of $24,477 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,528. Set against $24,477 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay admits about 89% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Green Bay profile
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh Nursing students take on a median of $24,619 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,548 ten years after entry. Set against $24,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh report
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,642 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire Nursing students take on a median of $22,574 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,574 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire admits about 82% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Nicolet Area Technical College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Rhinelander, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,793, compared with $7,066 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $11,400. Nicolet Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,643 a decade after entry. Set against $11,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Nicolet Area Technical College
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Nursing students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #22 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public school based in Stevens Point, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. The median Nursing program debt is $24,161. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point alumni report median earnings of $52,021 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,161 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Ottawa University Milwaukee ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Brookfield, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,296. Students borrow a median of $31,484 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $55,552 ten years out. Set against $31,484 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Ottawa University Milwaukee
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Nursing students take on a median of $26,657 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee alumni report median earnings of $54,990 a decade after entry. Set against $26,657 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee report
Herzing University Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Madison, WI, Herzing University Madison is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,450 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,328 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Herzing University Madison admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full Herzing University Madison report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Wisconsin
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Rasmussen College Wisconsin ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Green Bay, WI, Rasmussen College Wisconsin is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,345. Rasmussen College Wisconsin Nursing students take on a median of $28,798 in debt. Rasmussen College Wisconsin alumni report median earnings of $39,080 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Rasmussen College Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit school based in Mequon, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,470. Graduates carry a median of $27,172 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,075. Set against $27,172 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Wisconsin has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on Concordia University Wisconsin
Viterbo University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,250. Typical Nursing student debt is $29,107. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,660. That is a strong return on a $29,107 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Viterbo University
Alverno College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Alverno College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,086 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $34,425. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,145 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Alverno College admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Alverno College report
Marian University Wisconsin came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Marian University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit school based in Fond Du Lac, WI. Students from in state pay about $35,204 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,242 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,501. Set against $27,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marian University Wisconsin admits about 75% of applicants. Read the full report on Marian University Wisconsin
Marquette University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $51,170 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,122 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,257 ten years after entry. Set against $24,122 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marquette University has an acceptance rate of 81%. See the full Marquette University profile
Maranatha Baptist Bible College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Watertown, WI, Maranatha Baptist Bible College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,550. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,593. Maranatha Baptist Bible College has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full Maranatha Baptist Bible College profile
Edgewood College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Madison, WI, Edgewood College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,860. Edgewood College Nursing students take on a median of $26,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,728. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. See the full Edgewood College profile
Lakeland College placed #34 among the best-value Nursing schools in Wisconsin. Based in Plymouth, WI, Lakeland College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,396. The median Nursing program debt is $29,722. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,961 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lakeland College has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Lakeland College report
Carroll University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Waukesha, WI, Carroll University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,890. Students borrow a median of $26,904 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,009. Set against $26,904 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Carroll University
Mount Mary College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,420. Graduates carry a median of $26,372 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,745. That is a strong return on a $26,372 median debt. The acceptance rate is 62%. Get the full Mount Mary College report
Milwaukee School Of Engineering landed the #37 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Milwaukee School Of Engineering is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $50,480. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,667. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,070. Set against $27,667 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 59%. Read more about Milwaukee School Of Engineering
Wisconsin Lutheran College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,110. Students borrow a median of $26,916 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,664. That is a strong return on a $26,916 median debt. Wisconsin Lutheran College has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Wisconsin Lutheran College
Northland College landed the #39 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Read the full report on Northland College
Advanced College Of Cosmetology came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Advanced College Of Cosmetology
First Class Cosmetology School landed the #41 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Read the full report on First Class Cosmetology School
Paul Mitchell The School Madison landed the #42 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. See the full Paul Mitchell The School Madison profile
Empire Beauty School Green Bay placed #43 among the best-value Nursing schools in Wisconsin. See the full Empire Beauty School Green Bay profile
Healthcare Workforce Training Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Get the full Healthcare Workforce Training Institute report
Beloit College
Beloit College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Beloit College
Medical College Of Wisconsin ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. See the full Medical College Of Wisconsin profile
Tricoci University Of Beauty Culture Janesville placed #47 among the best-value Nursing schools in Wisconsin. Read more about Tricoci University Of Beauty Culture Janesville
Herzing University Brookfield came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Herzing University Brookfield report
Sacred Heart School Of Theology came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. See the full Sacred Heart School Of Theology profile
Shepherds College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Get the full Shepherds College report
More Nursing Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Nursing Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 39 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 87 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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